The United Kingdom tested its response to large-scale chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) incidents.
Eastern Region Counter Terrorism Policing and the Ministry of Defence jointly delivered the exercise, simulating a multi-agency response to a CBRNE event in Papworth, Cambridgeshire. The drill involved up to 600 emergency service personnel, armed forces members, and partner agencies to enhance national security resilience.
From November 4 to 7, the simulation involved scenarios like material release and improvised explosive device (IED) detonations. The test scrutinized joint operational capabilities, emergency response protocols, and the effectiveness of specialist teams, including the Technical Response Force.
Officials called the exercise “highly successful,” noting excellent response capabilities across all participating agencies. The initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to bolster national resilience, detailed in the UK Resilience Action Plan.
The government acknowledges that malicious CBRNE use is “significantly less likely” than conventional attacks. However, the National Risk Register identifies such incidents as a “major threat to national security.” Security Minister Dan Jarvis stressed the drills’ importance, stating: “Joint training is vital to ensure that our policing partners, armed forces and emergency responders can work seamlessly together to protect the British public from a range of threats, including chemical, biological and radiological incidents.” Such threats include terrorist deployment of chemical or biological weapons, IEDs, hazardous material releases, or large-scale poisonings.
Counter Terrorism Policing and the Ministry of Defence conduct annual CBRNE exercises, underscoring a sustained commitment to safeguarding the public through proactive preparation and inter-agency coordination.